The Reed Tower is located within the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and is designed to enhance the experience of visitors while respecting the natural landscape. The structure emphasizes accessibility through a prominent ramp that encourages movement and provides sweeping views of the wetlands. This design highlights the importance of connecting the built environment with nature, creating a space where people can engage with their surroundings.

Design Concept and Functionality

The central idea of the Reed Tower is built around an accessible ramp that acts as both a pathway and a viewing platform. This feature invites visitors to navigate the site while taking in the sights of the wetland ecosystem. The ramp leads upward and is supported by a façade that incorporates vertical and radial slats, allowing for multiple viewpoints. This arrangement not only fosters exploration but also creates variations in light as the sun moves across the sky.

Community Engagement

At the base of the tower, there is a community plaza designed to promote social interaction. In the center of this space stands a Sidr tree, which enhances the area’s microclimate and serves as a natural gathering point. This plaza encourages people to rest and connect with nature, making it a welcoming space for all. It acts as a bridge between the surrounding landscape and the visitors, deepening the experiential quality of the wetland.

Materials and Aesthetics

The façade is made of modular HPL laminate, carefully chosen for its durability and resistance to weather. This material forms a protective layer while also contributing to the visual appeal of the building. The slatted design allows sunlight to filter in, creating interesting patterns of light and shade inside. This dynamic interaction adds to the sensory experience of those within the tower.

Interaction with Landscape

The architecture incorporates thoughtfully placed openings along the ramp that frame views of significant features in the wetland reserve. These openings encourage visitors to pay attention to the ecological aspects of the landscape. Lookout windows designed with top sun shades minimize glare and offer unimpeded views of the water and wildlife. Together, these elements foster a deeper connection between the building and its natural context, enriching the overall experience for everyone who visits.

The layout and design details of the Reed Tower create a thoughtful environment that encourages people to engage with nature and observe the beauty of the wetland ecosystem.